For the very first time in Pepin's history ( okay, we're only 3 years old, but still ), we co-created an Olla with an artist 🧑🎨
We gave free rein to Camille Gressier , an illustrator we adore, with her colourful, flowery and maximalist universe, to design our new Olla.
We are so proud to present this sparkling collaboration ✨ A unique, limited edition Olla, available now in our shop .
And to delve even deeper into Camille's world, we went to her home in Paris to talk to her about her inspirations, her artistic choices and her life as an illustrator and co-founder of the botany magazine Blumenhaus .
The video interview can be found here .
Pepin X Camille Gressier, a colorful Olla that will make all your other plants jealous
Juliette: Can you tell us about your artistic world and, if you had to describe it in three words?
Camille: I would say that my world is maximalist, very colorful and flowery.
Juliette: How did illustration come into your life?
Camille: I've always drawn, and my mother used to say I woke up and went to bed with a pencil in my hand. I seriously considered making it my career when I was choosing a field of study. I studied graphic design at an applied arts school, and drawing has always been central to my creative process. But it was only about seven years ago that I really started showing my work.
Juliette: I imagine you get asked this question often, given your illustrations, but why tigers?
Camille: This passion came at a time when I needed it. I needed strength, courage, and that's precisely what the tiger symbolizes. I really like this symbolism, a bit like a protective amulet, and I think that's also what appeals to people.
Juliette: I see you have a lot of handcrafted items at home, little objects that seem to have a story. Do they hold a special place for you?
Camille: Yes, absolutely! I love surrounding myself with objects I find beautiful. Some come from my travels, others were given to me, and still others were found at flea markets or bought from artists. They create a kind of cocoon of inspiration for me. Many don't have great material value, but they have immense sentimental value.
Juliette: Among these objects, is there one that you are particularly fond of, a special object that you would like to show us?
Camille: Yes, I'm thinking of that little box. It's a vintage Japanese incense box that I found online. I fell in love with it immediately. I find it adorable and beautiful. You can see that it's been repaired several times, re-enameled, and that's precisely what I like about it.
Juliette: And finally, a question more related to our activities, namely plants. What is your relationship with them?
Camille: I love plants, I find them fascinating, but I have to admit I'm not the best at taking care of them. Even with a magazine about botany, you might think I have a green thumb, but I can be quite clumsy with them. That's precisely why our collaboration on Olla is perfect for me!
